Egypts Three Kingdoms

The history of Egypt is broken up into three time periods or kingdoms. Read about each of Egypts Kingdoms. Identify the timeframe, vocabulary, and important rulers in each kingdom. Then analyze the information and make a list of the most important facts and main ideas from each kingdom. After completing this activity you should be able to explain how each kingdom was different and what they contributed to Egypts legacy.

Egypt: Old Kingdom (2700 BC-2200 BC)

The Old Kingdom was a period of great peace. The Old Kingdom began when King Narmer united all of Egypt. During the Old Kingdom, Egyptian rulers grew in power and influence. Their people began to consider them not just kings, but also gods. The Pharaoh was considered to be the child of Re the sun god. Thus, these rulers had absolute power and authority over all aspects of the lives of the people they ruled. A government where the political power and religious power lie in the same person is known as a theocracy. Most of the large pyramids were constructed during the Old Kingdom. The pyramids were built as giant tombs to hold the bodies of the pharaohs. There was little to no slavery during this period. The pyramids were built by farmers during the winter. King Khufu had the largest pyramid built.

Egypt: Middle Kingdom (2100 BC-1800 BC)

During the Middle Kingdom pharaohs lost some of their power. They ruled through an alliance with the middle class. This was a way to keep the nobility in check. Instead of building giant pyramids for the pharaohs, construction was focused on building public works for the people. The Middle Kingdom was a time when trade, art, and literature flourished. Egypt also built strong armies to defend herself against her neighbors. During this time Egypt conquered the Nubia civilization to its south.

Egypt: New Kingdom

(1500 BCE-1000 BCE)

The New Kingdom was Egypt's expansion period. Egypt expanded her borders through military conquest and became a world power. During the New Kingdom, pharaohs once again became all powerful. Hatshepsut became the one and only female pharaoh. She focused on economy and trade. Ramses II expanded Egypts territories and built great temples. Akhenaton IV believed in monotheism (one god) and was not very popular. When he died his son King Tutankhamen restored polytheism. During the New Kingdom the pharaohs were all buried in the same geographic area called the Valley of the Kings. King Tutankhamen, the boy king, ended up having the most famous burial tomb in the Valley of the Kings.